Kozhikode: Thousands of children were initiated into the world of letters on Thursday as Kerala celebrated the Vidyarambham (beginning of education) ritual across the state on the occasion of Vijayadashami.

Elders held the hands of small children and helped them write their first alphabets in a plate of rice grains.

Litterateurs, teachers, bureaucrats and politicians were among those who helped the children write their first letters. They also 'wrote' a word on every child's tongue with a gold ring.

The various Vidyarambham functions were organised by temples, cultural organisations, clubs and media organisations. The programmes at many places started early in the morning and large number of children with their parents were seen at these centres.

Christians in the state also joined Hindus in the celebration as many churches organised the ceremony for children in their community.

While the Hindu children wrote "Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namaha", Christians wrote words in the praise of Jesus Christ.

"We organised the function after the morning mass. There was a good turnout for the ceremony. Children wrote words like 'Yeshu Daivam' (Jesus God) in a plate of rice grains," Paulose Arackkaparambil, vicar of Mor Sabore Afroth Jacobit Syrian Church near Kochi, told sources.

The church also issued certificates for children who attended the ceremony.

The major function in the state was held in Tirur in Malappuram district - the birthplace of the father of Malayalam literature Thunchathu Ezuthachan. About 5,000 children were initiated into the world of learning by a team of prominent personalities led by litterateur M.T. Vasudevan Nair.

Film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Education Minister M.A. Baby were among those who took part in different functions in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital.

Temples across the state witnessed heavy rush as devotees in large numbers came for prayers on Vijayadashami day. IANS